Every now and again, a government agency gets it right. Stockton Creek Preserve (SCP) on the edge of Mariposa is the result of smart long-range planning, cooperation and talented people focused on doing what’s best for a community. SCP addresses several important issues, not the least of which is an open space protected in perpetuity from development and motorized vehicles. In 2011 an alliance project between Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC) and Mariposa Public Utility District (MPUD) created the 410-acre Preserve. It was designed to protect Mariposa’s domestic water supply, ensure viewshed conservation, develop trails, reduce fire hazards and provide recreation opportunities for locals and visitors. Mariposa is in effect
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Subsequently, MPUD and SFC leveraged more than $400,000 in grants for critically needed fuels management, trail building, easements and public access. Prior to becoming a Preserve, the region surrounding the large reservoir was choked with vegetation, dead trees and brush, posing an extreme fire risk. Vegetation management, fuel modification and mitigation of drastic damage to native vegetation are critical components in the project. In 2000 the former property owner initiated a project that he believed would reduce wildfire hazard and produce an “open, park-like appearance.” Essentially, he poisoned 800 acres of land, which was blanketed with native chaparral and innumerable live and blue oaks. Though part of the plan was to harvest the dead trees for firewood and the left over brush and slash would be stacked and burned, only the first phase was completed. The kill was quick and devastating, leaving a huge ugly scar on the slopes visible to all passersby on Highway 140. More importantly, essential habitat for wild things was …show more content…
At the heart of the Preserve is a reservoir, which is the town’s primary domestic water source. Easily accessible just one mile north of Mariposa, a bustling little Gold Rush survivor, the Preserve is a much needed area for quiet walking, jogging and cycling in all seasons. Though the town is located in the Sierra foothills, there are no nearby natural areas for public recreation. Beginning at a large parking area to the right of Highway 140 about one mile north of town, the lower trail passes around a fence, soon bears right and piggybacks an old road. The reservoir dates back to 1950 when the dam and water pipeline to town were completed. The route crosses the dam, bends right and heads downhill to the new state-of-the-art water treatment plant in 1.8 miles. Walk a couple of minutes past the facility and take a photo or two of the historic dynamite storage structure, aka powder house. Another option, if you’d like to add more cardio to the outing, is to turn right at the metal trail sign by the information kiosk. The path tops a ridge before sloping downhill to the water treatment plant in 1.6 miles. Or, do a loop in either direction for a total of 3.4
Subsequently, MPUD and SFC leveraged more than $400,000 in grants for critically needed fuels management, trail building, easements and public access. Prior to becoming a Preserve, the region surrounding the large reservoir was choked with vegetation, dead trees and brush, posing an extreme fire risk. Vegetation management, fuel modification and mitigation of drastic damage to native vegetation are critical components in the project. In 2000 the former property owner initiated a project that he believed would reduce wildfire hazard and produce an “open, park-like appearance.” Essentially, he poisoned 800 acres of land, which was blanketed with native chaparral and innumerable live and blue oaks. Though part of the plan was to harvest the dead trees for firewood and the left over brush and slash would be stacked and burned, only the first phase was completed. The kill was quick and devastating, leaving a huge ugly scar on the slopes visible to all passersby on Highway 140. More importantly, essential habitat for wild things was …show more content…
At the heart of the Preserve is a reservoir, which is the town’s primary domestic water source. Easily accessible just one mile north of Mariposa, a bustling little Gold Rush survivor, the Preserve is a much needed area for quiet walking, jogging and cycling in all seasons. Though the town is located in the Sierra foothills, there are no nearby natural areas for public recreation. Beginning at a large parking area to the right of Highway 140 about one mile north of town, the lower trail passes around a fence, soon bears right and piggybacks an old road. The reservoir dates back to 1950 when the dam and water pipeline to town were completed. The route crosses the dam, bends right and heads downhill to the new state-of-the-art water treatment plant in 1.8 miles. Walk a couple of minutes past the facility and take a photo or two of the historic dynamite storage structure, aka powder house. Another option, if you’d like to add more cardio to the outing, is to turn right at the metal trail sign by the information kiosk. The path tops a ridge before sloping downhill to the water treatment plant in 1.6 miles. Or, do a loop in either direction for a total of 3.4